7 Game-changing Tips for Losing Weight on a Budget
Hey Angels and Alphas,
If you’re someone who just started their weight loss journey, or someone who is just now going in-depth in the world of sports nutrition, it almost seems like having a healthy lifestyle is very expensive.
After all, you always want to be pushing yourself to perform better, and the convenience of certain supplements or the features of new workout gear can always creep in and stretch our budget out.
That’s why it’s important to start considering what purchases make the greatest impact on your efforts to lose weight?
Today, we’re taking a look at 7 amazing, well-rounded tips anyone can follow to detach themselves from the idea that healthy lifestyles are expensive and instead learn to make smarter choices that aid their weight loss efforts.
#1 EATING AT HOME AND LOSING WEIGHT…
You’d think saving money is the only reason you would choose to skip a night out, but as it turns out, eating more meals at restaurants and sit-downs has been associated with a higher overall body mass index.
You should also think about why you’re making the restaurant and food choices you’re making, and whether the serving sizes or just overall calorie quality at those places can prevent you from reaching your weight-loss goal.
#2 STICKING TO WHOLE FOODS WILL ALSO HELP
If you can look at your weight-loss plan right now and see a bunch of liquids with added sugars, pricey powders and supplements, or daily takeout, you definitely have some work to do.
What you should be seeing are lean proteins, whole grains, plenty of fruits and veggies, and healthy fats. If 80 percent of your eating plan looks like that, you’ll be well on your way to creating the calorie deficit you want (alongside exercise of course) and losing weight consistently and sustainably.
What’s more, you can even prep healthier alternatives of your favorite night-out meals from the comfort of your own home, allowing you to track portions, save up on money and calories, and do it at no expense to taste.
#3 MEAL PREP YOUR SNACKS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
The more you can use meal planning to slim down your grocery list, the better. Cooking your meals in batches will not only help you save money and time in the grand scheme of things, but it will also allow you to stay consistent with your nutritional intake (instead of just blindly guessing about how many nutrients and calories are in each portion.)
And by meal prepping your snacks on the side, you can use snacks strategically to keep your metabolism revved up (and prevent overeating + overspending.)
#4 EAT WHAT’S IN SEASON
Organic produce gets more and more expensive at grocery stores and local farmer’s markets when it’s not in season. When you buy in-season veggies, you’ll find them at the peak of their color and nutritional value… all while paying less because they’re readily available.
If your goal is to lose weight or maintain your current weight, filling up half your plate or bowls with veggies such as cabbage, greens, or asparagus can be an amazing approach – veggies are both satisfying and low in calorie density.
#5 FROZEN OR CANNED PRODUCE HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT
Contrary to popular belief, studies suggest that the nutritional values of fresh, canned, and frozen foods are all similar. If you find yourself avoiding letting food go to waste and you want to meal prep more effectively, frozen foods are a must for you.
Frozen veggies and fruits are also an amazing source of fiber. Fiber helps you stay fuller for longer and protect your gut microbiota. Not to mention, it will let you save money! Focus on purchasing frozen bags of fruits for your smoothies, frozen veggies for your curries, and canned items for sauces or sides. They’ll last much longer and they’re just as healthy.
#6 BUDGET-FRIENDLY PROTEINS FOR WEIGHT LOSS… THEY DO EXIST!
Protein is absolutely crucial for any human being, but even more so if they’re trying to achieve a physical goal. Protein is also vital for weight loss since it helps you stay full, and it also helps you reduce the chance that your body breaks down muscle for energy during extended periods of weight loss.
And contrary to popular belief, there are countless pocket-friendly options that are high in protein including canned tunas, beans, ground turkey, eggs, and more. Focus your attention on getting quality protein inside your body and you’ll find your urge for snacks go away, helping you save even more.
#7 HAVING FUN WHILE YOU’RE ON THE MOVE!
Let’s be honest – getting fitter can absolutely be done without gym fees or club memberships. If you’re someone who has the ability to be on the move, you can lose weight by just adjusting your diet a bit and maximizing the moments of physical activity you get throughout the day.
If you want to work out for free, there are countless activities you can participate in – and enjoy very much. Local hiking trails, park workouts, park jogging, dancing, or even running a few errands throughout the day can all become bodyweight workouts and walking exercises that help you burn calories, lose weight, and all of that without you having to pay a dime.